The changing pattern of fetal hydrops.
Fetal hydrops (hydrops fetalis) remains a significant cause of fetal and neonatal mortality. The decreased incidence of rhesus iso-immunisation due to prophylaxis with rhesus immune globulin (anti-D), improved antenatal ultrasound screening, and advances in neonatal intensive care have greatly altered the clinical outlook in this condition. A retrospective review of all 27 liveborn cases of hydrops in the Royal Maternity Hospital, Belfast in the period 1974-89 showed that in the last five years 40% of cases were non-immune in origin. The mortality rate fell from 100% in the first part of the study to 50% in the second.
Wilson
D C
DC
Neonatal intensive care unit, Royal Maternity Hospital.
Halliday
H L
HL
McClure
G
G
Reid
M M
MM
D002985:Clinical Protocols / Q000592:standards*; D006771:Hospitals, Maternity; D006801:Humans; D015160:Hydrops Fetalis / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000209:etiology / Q000628:therapy*; D015994:Incidence; D007231:Infant, Newborn; D009660:Northern Ireland / Q000453:epidemiology; D011379:Prognosis; D012189:Retrospective Studies